Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

In a critical AFC North battle, the Baltimore Ravens will look to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are trying to grab the sixth and final postseason berth in the conference. 

The Ravens have had their postseason spot locked up for a few weeks, but where and when they will be playing remains to be seen. Considering how inconsistent they have looked on offense, and the age of their defense, Baltimore needs to win this game so they can have a week of rest. 

The Bengals have been a pleasant surprise this season. They still have work to do in order to complete their journey into the postseason and have not had much success against the two beasts in their division with a combined 0-3 record against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. 

Where: Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 at 4:15 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS

Spread: Baltimore (-3)

I would like to come up with a reason to favor the Bengals in this game, but considering the way that they have played against the Ravens and Steelers this season, I can't do it. 

Honestly, I think that the three-point spread for the Ravens is going to be too low. The Bengals are a young team that is not used to playing under this kind of pressure. They might be able to keep it close early on, but they will fade in the second half. 

Over/Under: 38

That number actually seems a bit low. The first time that these two teams met, they put up a combined 55 points. 

The Ravens defense isn't as strong as it used to be. They have good numbers overall, but they have had games this season where they give up a lot of yards and points. 

The Bengals have a solid offense that is capable of putting up points against elite defenses, but they have had problems against better defenses like San Francisco and Pittsburgh. 

Ravens Injury Report (via Rotoworld)

Questionable: K Billy Cundiff (calf)

Out: G Marshal Yanda (ribs), DB Cary Williams (concussion), WR Anquan Boldin (knee), LB Chavis Williams (foot)

Bengals Injury Report (via ESPN.com)

Questionable: DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring), WR A.J. Green (shoulder)

Out: WR Andre Caldwell (groin)

Ravens Player To Watch: QB Joe Flacco

The Ravens are going to go as far as Flacco takes them. He has had his struggles this season, but a good performance in this game could give him the confidence that he needs to lead them where they want to go. 

If he has a bad game, it could be a sign that the Ravens won't be in the playoffs for long. It's not out of the question that he could be fighting to keep his job. 

Bengals Player To Watch: WR A.J. Green

The easiest way for Andy Dalton to succeed in this game is to get help from his fellow rookie, and budding superstar, A.J. Green. 

He was out with an injury the first time these two teams met, so the Ravens have no idea what to expect from him. If he can have a big game against Baltimore's secondary, the Bengals can pull off the upset. 

Key Matchup: Andy Dalton vs. Baltimore Defense

The Ravens have a knack for picking on young players, particularly quarterbacks. Dalton was able to throw for a lot of yards against them the first time they played in Week 11, but he completed just 53 percent of his passes and had three interceptions. 

Dalton has to find a comfort zone in this game for the Bengals to have a chance. He has evolved a lot as a quarterback this season, but there is no telling how he will handle the pressure of a must-win game to make it to the playoffs. 

Prediction

I would like to see the Bengals win, but I don't think they are ready to compete with the top teams in the AFC. 

Ravens 24, Bengals 20

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